Upgrading Detector, Opinions Needed.

[ShawnP]

I posted this on other forums as well, so for some this might be a repeat, but I know not everyone serfs multiple sites, and the more feedback I get the better. Sorry for the long post in advance

I will be upgrading my detector as soon as I get my tax return so I would like to start getting some opinions.

I currently use a Fisher F4 which I enjoy and which I will be passing down to my wife who enjoys hunting with me.

The detectors I am trying to decide between are the Fisher F70 (not out yet, I did read the un official field test on a diff forum from a guy who had a pre release one to test.) Fisher F75, Whites DFX or Whites XLT.

I have read all the reviews and many posts on many forums about these detectors minus the F70.

I know at the high end, brand and even model loyalties run deep, I dont really want this to turn into a Fisher vs Whites or a XLT vs DFX but I know with opinions that is kind of the point, still brand bashing wont help anyone.

As far as what I am looking for in a detector, I mostly want to coin/jewelry hunt parks, schools, the beach (salt water/wet sand, coil wet would be nice), and since I live in Virginia I will be doing some relic hunting as well.

I dont mind a learning curve, but being able to actually hunt while learning would be nice.

I dont mind that First Texas now owns Fisher.

I dont want an MXT or a M6 even though I have read great things about both.

The reports of the F75 being chatty kind of have me worried, but I have also read that is just a matter of setting it up for each situation and that seems true for any detector, and I have had to do it with the F4 (mostly just sensitivity adjustments or coil selection though).

The dual freq of the DFX kind of has me worried as I have read that using both can actually affect depths, and until I learn some programs choosing which freaq for which situation sounds like a PITA. I have also read many people say "I would not give up my XLT for a DFX" and vice versa and even some who have gone back to the XLT from the DFX.

I have actually got the chance to swing a XLT and really did not have any problems with it, and until I started reading about the F75 and saw the addvo for the new F70 it was my first choice. So basically in my mind I am down to the XLT or the F75 or new F70.

I totally left the Explorer SE out of the mix because I don’t like not being able to see the numbers and the graphic displays at the same time, but I have been looking at them some trying to see if it is something I can wrap my head around.

Sorry If this is long, Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[bdahunter]

The Minelab Soveriegn may be just the ticket, though. An nonsubmersible Excal but without the weight and with a visual ID. I would look into this detector if you haven't already.

JMHO,

BDA

[anne]

Hi Shawnp
Have you given any thought to the Minelab XTerra 70 everything you could wish for and more.
Land to Beach, Light Weight, Visual ID.
Good Luck in your final choice.

[EBCIII]

Hey Shawn. Have you thought about the X-Terra 70? Just wondering if you are looking only at models with programs?

If you have thought about it ok. Between the ones you have listed I really would think a call or visit to a dealer that sells all of them is in order. It would be real hard for me to put down big $$ on a detector sight unseen?

If this is not an option then IMO I would call one of our sponsors and talk to them. Tell them what you are wanting to do and get some info.

I am sorry that I can not be more help. I really think any of the ones you listed would work great for you, Beale.

[Inspector]

I have an F4 I purchased this winter (yep long and cold in WI) that I have not been able to use yet, just wondering if you felt you out grew your F4 or it wasn't getting the depth you wanted? I have a Discovery 3300 with 1.5 years under my belt and have had great luck with depth and ID accuracy in all soil types and shallow water. It was just a little slow on recovery time for me and I wanted the DD coil. So I purchased the F4. Just wondering what you didn't like, or out grew. Thanks Peter

[ShawnP]

Thanks for the fast responses; I will take a look at the X-terra 70 and the sovereign, TBH I have not really given them much thought. I guess I should have added I plan on calling Tony at TC metal detectors as well as Kellyco when I get closer to a decision.

I have an F4 I purchased this winter (yep long and cold in WI) that I have not been able to use yet, just wondering if you felt you out grew your F4 or it wasn't getting the depth you wanted? I have a Discovery 3300 with 1.5 years under my belt and have had great luck with depth and ID accuracy in all soil types and shallow water. It was just a little slow on recovery time for me and I wanted the DD coil. So I purchased the F4. Just wondering what you didn't like, or out grew. Thanks Peter

I love my F4, it has great depth and accuracy, and the recover time is outstanding.

My wife and I are currently taking turns with it and she agrees that it would be nice to have 2 detectors so we dont have to share.

So me being me, and her knowing me, I have to have a simi top end item no matter what the hobby is. I have been told by the boss (wife) that she does not want to hear me in 6 months saying that I need to upgrade again, so I am trying to determine what the best detector for me would be.

I think you will enjoy the F4.

[grasshopper]

i have an xlt, and i wouldn't trade it in for anything. i have a camp on lake champlain where i use it on the beaches (it has a waterproof coil), i've found hundreds of coins with it(very deep ones too), there is a very small learning curve, just turn on and go with a bunch of factory preset programs(relic, coin, coin/jewelry, prospecting, beach), including some open spots for you to create and name your own programs. i have also found some relics with it including buckles and a few buttons. go to Metal Detector Resource - Home to read some reviews.

[bill(de)]

I have to agree with bdahunter on the Sovereign GT for your area. Works great on salt beaches and with interchangeable coils,great tone id and accessory meter can be very effective for inland sites. It's nice to have offsetting detectors to cover various hunting conditions.Good Luck with your choice. HH Bill

[Buster]

I also swing an XLT..Had it about 12 years.. Just pick a mode and set it in and go..I have also a few extra hunting modes that I use. If you used one you know what I mean..They are a good detector in my opinion. I would still check out some reviews and talk to some other hunters too. It's a good machine for sure.Good luck with your choice.....Buster....

[ERnurse]

Goold luck with what ever machine you get.